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York Fire chief: No more negotiations scheduled with union

Hannah Sawyer, YorkDailyRecord
Published 6:02 p.m. ET Dec. 15, 2014

York city countil president Carol HIll-Evans looks on as questions are asked during day two of the York city council budget meeting Wednesday, December 10, 2014. Kate Penn â ” Daily Record/Sunday News(Photo: Kate Penn)

With time running out before a scheduled vote on York Mayor Kim Bracey's budget proposal Tuesday, York Fire/Rescue Chief David Michaels said that the city and firefighters union have no more formal bargaining sessions scheduled.

"There's nothing else in the works right now," Michaels said Monday. "It's our budget as it stands right now."

Bracey's plan, which must be approved by the city council, calls for the elimination of eight firefighter positions, including layoffs for four active duty firefighters, in order to close an anticipated $7 million budget gap without raising property taxes.

The council members, meeting at 7 p.m. at City Hall, have a chance to modify the plan or to raise the tax rate. City Council President Carol Hill-Evans said previously that she and others would spend the days before the vote meeting with the administration and exploring different options.

The council can suggest amendments to the plan. Amendments to reduce a line item must pass by at least a 3 to 2 vote. But proposals to increase a line item must pass by at least a 4 to 1 vote, Hill-Evans said.

The city council already has voted to raise the earned income tax from 1 percent to 1.25 percent. York also is eyeing a bump in sewer fees by 50 cents per 1,000 gallons, agenda documents show.

The fire department was originally scheduled to begin layoffs Dec. 15 as it transitioned to a three-platoon system, but Michaels said during budget hearings last week that layoffs have been delayed until Jan. 1. The department will stay with a four-platoon system.

Bracey's plan also called for more than 40 positions to be cut from the police force.

The city has been in negotiations with the police union throughout the budget process.

Kahley testified during budget hearings that the loss of such a large number of officers would mean that the department would be forced to cut its community foot patrols and community services division. Layoffs for police also are scheduled to begin Jan. 1.

There is the possibility that the council will delay a vote if they believe they need more time or information, Hill-Evans said. By law, York must pass a balanced budget by Dec. 31.

Bracey plans to hold a news conference to make an "important announcement" at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, according to a news release. The nature of the conference was not disclosed.

Community Foundation urges people to act

The York County Community Foundation, which earlier this year called for the city to immediately enter Act 47, is urging residents to speak out before the York City Council scheduled vote Tuesday on Mayor Kim Bracey's proposed budget.

In an email sent Monday, the foundation said that people should write to the mayor, council members and local newspapers, and call for officials to "save York City, balance the budget, don't increase taxes and work to get on a path to solving the problem."

The foundation also has started a website with links to various documents regarding city finances and a report on financial sustainability called yorkfiscalcrisis.com.